New York, 30 September 2025

Madam President,

The Holy See welcomes the convening of this High-Level Conference to address the critical situation of Rohingya Muslims and other Minorities in Myanmar.

According to the latest data, there are more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees displaced and stateless from Myanmar, with some 89 per cent seeking asylum in Bangladesh.[1] While the humanitarian outreach offered by Bangladesh, together with neighbouring host countries, constitutes a generous response to this grave crisis, countless Rohingya continue to face severe conditions, in particular women and children, currently living in overcrowded refugee camps, in both Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char.

Additionally, an estimated 630.000 Rohingya in Rakhine State in western Myanmar remain stateless, subjected to conscription, discrimination, risk of starvation and persecution from armed groups and military personnel alike.

Although some humanitarian assistance has been made available, the overall response remains under serious threath due to insufficient funding. Without the urgent provision of additional funds, access to critical services – notably basic healthcare, food assistance, and education – will face major disruptions in the coming months. This could, in turn, create further openings for exploitation, including by organized crime and human trafficking networks. Bridging the gap between humanitarian needs on the ground and the current lack of funding is an essential short-term strategy, also aimed at easing pressure on host countries. In this regard, it is necessary that all actors ensure unrestricted and indiscriminate access to the humanitarian aid that is provided in accordance with international humanitarian law.

At the same time, there is an urgent need to work on long-term solutions, alleviating the dependence on international material assistance, with a view to addressing the root causes of the crisis and moving towards national reconciliation and integration. In this regard, the Holy See firmly believes that religious differences should not fuel division, but rather promote unity, forgiveness and nation-building, as religions can help uproot conflict, encourage dialogue, support justice and give voice to all who suffer.[2]

For this to be possible, it “naturally requires full respect for religious freedom in every country, since religious experience is an essential dimension of the human person. Without it, it is difficult, if not impossible, to bring about the purification of the heart necessary for building peaceful relationships.”[3]

Madam President,

Every human being, regardless of ethnicity or religion, possesses a God-given dignity as well as fundamental rights, including the right to nationality, and to live in safety. While unequivocally condemning all forms of discrimination, persecution, and violence based on ethnicity or religion, the Holy See urges all parties to uphold international human rights, to take concrete steps to protect etnic and religious minorities, and to respond to Pope Leo’s call: “to engage in inclusive dialogue, the only path that can lead to a peaceful and enduring solution.”[4]

I thank you.

[1] See: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/05/1163661.

[2] Cf. Pope Francis, Apostolic Journey to Myanmar and Bangladesh, Meeting with Government Authorities, the Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps, 28 November 2017.

[3] Pope Leo XIV, Audience to Members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, 16 May 2025.

[4] Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, 15 June 2025.